What is a Sensory Diet??

The term “sensory diet” refers to the amount of sensory input that is received. Just like our bodies need food on a regular basis, our bodies and brains need sensory input regularly. Sensory input consists of anything that “feeds” one of the senses – sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. As each person has a different metabolism (the rate at which food digests and converts into energy), each person also has a different level of sensory input that is naturally received or transmitted. When a sense is not being transmitted and or interpreted correctly, that sense becomes impaired or heightened. (For example, smells that cause extreme distress, physical touch being perceived as uncomfortable or painful, lack of spacial awareness and coordination). In these instances, the brain often needs assistance in interpreting what the sense is, so that is more pleasing to the body.

As the brain is constantly sending signals to other parts of the brain and all throughout the body, we are constantly receiving new sensory messages. The purpose of maintaining a sensory diet, is to keep these signals flowing appropriately. Those who have extreme sensory needs, need regular and frequent sensory assistance, needing “fed” (input) every 2 hours, for approximately 15 minutes. At a minimum, sensory input specific to a need, should be received 4 times a day, to allow for the regrowth (plasticity) and communication of brain signals.

We all have busy schedules, going to work or school, keeping up with local events and extra-curricular activities, not to mention training to maintain some semblance of physical fitness. So, how can you also keep up with a sensory diet? It’s not has complicated as it seems. Sensory input can be as minimal as implementing a calming smell, playing classical music, lowering or raising the music volume, mirroring facial expressions, giving a light massage, holding hands, or squeezing some putty. Some important keys to remember: Don’t force the input activity for the full 15 minutes, take what you can get! Try to use the same activity, at the same time every day, for as long as possible (i.e. squeezing putty right after school, daily, for two weeks) until the activity seems boring. Then, implement a new one; Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative and try new ones. Some of them will be well received, others will not. This is okay! Extra help: Keep track of what is received and what is not. This can also help you further identify sensory areas that need the most help.